The 12 Best Family-Friendly PC Video Games

My husband and I have long been fans of video games, starting in our youth and continuing well into adulthood. I like city-building Sims and puzzle games, and he likes adventures. It can be hard to know what games to look for if you’re not up on the genre though, especially if you want something the whole family can enjoy, so we’ve put together the best dozen PC games out there. Take a look!

Minecraft 1 of 12

Build anything, go anywhere. No limits, except your imagination. And monsters. Be sure to check out some of the videos online to see how crazy people can get with their creations.
Check out Minecraft.

The Sims 2 of 12

Who doesn't like to feel in control? In The Sims, the player can take control of any number of user created characters that live in a home of your own design. Make entire families (or just a creepy loner), give each character traits, personalities, hobbies, and jobs, then tell them what to do. Just make sure you remember to tell them to go to the bathroom.
Check out The Sims.

SimCity 4 3 of 12

Do you remember when the first SimCity came out? It was amazing after playing The Oregon Trail. It continues to be amazing, and SimCity 4 is the newest in the line until version 5 comes out in early 2013.
Check out SimCity 4.

Lego Lord Of The Rings 4 of 12

The Lego Game series is good bet for any family gaming sessions. The games are easy to pick-up and play, full of juvenile humor for the kids, and with plenty of pop culture references for mom and dad to enjoy. The latest in the series is Lego Lord of The Rings, but be sure to check out the older Lego titles too: Batman, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and Star Wars. Also be on the lookout for Lego City Undercover for the Wii U in early 2013.
Check out Lego Lord of the Rings.

Portal 2 5 of 12

If your favorite kind of entertainment is something that will make you think and laugh, then look no further than Portal 2. The sequel to 2007's wonderfully original PC and Console game Portal, Portal 2 takes everything great about the first game and makes it bigger and better. Longer than its predecessor (and possibly funnier), the Portal 2 gameplay involves being dropped into various puzzle rooms tasked with the challenge of getting from Point A to Point B, with only your portal gun, wits and maybe a companion cube or two.
Check out Portal 2.

Back To The Future: The Game 6 of 12

Gotta get back in time! Back To The Future: The Game is a great point-and-click adventure game that captures the spirit and the humor of the movie trilogy perfectly. The story line runs concurrently (with time travel paradoxes aplenty) to the events in the films. The game features the voice talents of Doc Brown himself, Christopher LLoyd, reprising his role, and voice actor AJ LoCascio doing the world's most uncanny Marty McFly impersonation.
Check out Back to the Future: The Game.

World of Goo 7 of 12

Build bridges and towers out of… well, goo. This game is a funny and inventive building puzzler with character to spare.
Check out World of Goo.

Tales of Monkey Island 8 of 12

For many a gamer growing up in the 90's, the name "Monkey Island" alone will instantly bring up memories of the point-and-click adventures of yore. This game brings the series back, complete with the humor, slapstick and just general weirdness that it has always been known for.
Check out Tales of Monkey Island.

RollerCoaster Tycoon 9 of 12

Build your own theme park full of twists and turns, even ride roller coasters of your own design! Just try not to gouge your visitors with the price of popcorn.
Check out RollerCoaster Tycoon.

Plants Vs. Zombies 10 of 12

It's plants. It's zombies. It's Plants Vs. Zombies! In this fantastic Popcap tower defense game all that rests between you and hordes of the undead feasting on your brains is your green thumb.
Check out Plants vs. Zombies.

Peggle 11 of 12

My husband loves Peggle, but how does one describe the game? It's part pinball, part Plinko, and a whole lot of unicorns, rainbows, and Ode To Joy.
Check out Peggle.

Civilization 5 12 of 12

If controlling every aspect of people's lives on a micro level in the Sims didn't scratch your Sim itch, then try it out at the macro level with Civilization 5. What kind of society will you create? Industrial society or science-driven? Maybe one full of religious zealots, or a bunch of crazy warmongers? Engage with your neighbors or go it alone and see where the ages will take you.
Check out Civilization 5.

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 Nicole Balch writes daily about living a stylish life and transforming the so-so on her blog, Making it Lovely. Catch up with all of Nicole’s other Family Style posts right here on Babble.

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